[nursemichelle]

I've been "addicted" to reading all these forums for a couple of months now while I've been trying to decide whether or not to become a nurse. I have a 4.0 now, and really don't mind the studying, it is just that after reading and reading and reading, I am sooo discouraged! It just seems that there are so many people that hate what they are doing! I am not an assertive person by nature (although I have 4 teenage sons that I have no problem handling ) and that worries me quite a bit. I love helping people, and I think I would truly love working in NICU or L&D. I worked in an OB/GYN office for 3 years many moons ago and loved that (as an aide). My question is...are any of you quiet and passive by nature, and if you are how has it been for you working as a nurse? Are there certain areas in nursing that might actually be better for a person that wants to help people, but isn't quite bold enough to stand up to doctors etc. I know this is a weird question, but all these pre-class jitters are wearing me out!

[Nurse Ratched]

Class of '89 - voted shyest and most gullible.

I got over it .

Assertiveness is a skill learned like any other. Believe me, when you are in a position where your patient only has you to speak on his/her behalf, you find your voice .

Don't let a few jitters stop you!

[NursesRmofun]

I would say that unless you are super passive and want to get walked on, you would get over it. <g> Doctors really can't be too nasty in a hospital because they are employees too and you could write them up if they are cursing or embarrassing you in front of patients, etc. I'd say some hospitals are better than others at backing their nurses up. Seek out a hospital that backs up their nurses! Nursing is a great career, but lots of stress and work. I love it.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Originally Posted by NursesRmofun

I would say that unless you are super passive and want to get walked on, you would get over it. <g> Doctors really can't be too nasty in a hospital because they are employees too and you could write them up if they are cursing or embarrassing you in front of patients, etc. I'd say some hospitals are better than others at backing their nurses up. Seek out a hospital that backs up their nurses! Nursing is a great career, but lots of stress and work. I love it.

depends on the place ........doctors can be SUPER nasty,trust me. It takes a thick skin to be a nurse these days......but that is something all of us can develop with time and maturity.

[Chaya]

Hi NurseMichelle:

I am definitely passive/ shy in new situations. Initially it was hard for me to introduce myself and initiate care, especially as a student. But once I got on the unit and it was my responsibility to see that the patient got the care, it all seemed to melt away. Besides, I'm usually just too busy to think about my insecurities! I'm still pretty passive when it comes to requesting things (time, etc.) for myself. But I find I'm a tiger when it comes to advocating for something one of my patients needs!

[Brenda-RN,BSN, WA.]

I used to be very shy. It's getting better now. I work in postpartum. I think that it is a better unit for a more shy person, than the ER, or even OR. If you really want to be a nurse, don't let the fact that you are shy discourage you. Like many others have posted it does go away. And you know that you are the patient's advocate, so you will find yourself being assertive whether you want to or not for the sake of your patient. In nursing you will no doubt be helping others. I can't think of another career where you will help others more than a nursing career. I think that if you are a caring person, you will be a great nurse. Good luck. I am glad to hear that you have teenage boys and are still not locked up in a pysch. unit! I have 3 boys all under 5, and I wonder some days if I will make it to their teenage years. I love them more than anything, but wow do they take a lot of energy! Have fun with your nursing career.